PREVIEW: Arsenal look to restore six-point lead at Brentford | OneFootball

Premier League leaders Arsenal visit Brentford on Thursday night in their bid to restore a six point advantage over second-placed Manchester City before the weekend’s London derby.

City cruised to a 3-0 win over Fulham at the Etihad yesterday to ramp up the pressure on the Gunners, who’ve lost twice in their last 10 league outings, with the league’s relentless schedule offering little room for error.

But they’ve lost just one of their last 23 Premier League clashes against fellow capital clubs, winning 17 and drawing five, yet the Bees provide a tough challenge and could go sixth with a surprise win at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Arsenal’s away form in these fixtures is equally impressive, suffering only one defeat in 20 such matches since the start of the 2022/23 campaign.

However, records count for little against a Brentford side that have quietly established themselves as one of the league’s most awkward opponents.

Defensively, the league leaders remain the benchmark. Arsenal boast the Premier League’s best defensive record this season and have kept four clean sheets in their last five matches, a foundation that has underpinned their title push.

Yet the league leaders face several injuries, including Kai Havertz being ruled out with a muscle injury, while Mikel Merino, Bukayo Saka, and Max Dowman are all unavailable.

But their chances of an important win will be strengthened by the return of Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard, with winger Leandro Trossard facing a late fitness test.

With European qualification firmly within reach, Keith Andrews’ side will sense opportunity. Victory on Thursday could lift Brentford up to sixth place, just two points behind Chelsea, further underlining the scale of the challenge Arsenal face.

The hosts possess a clear route to disrupting Arsenal’s solidity. No team has been more dangerous on the counter-attack this season, with nine goals scored on the break and their efficiency in transition could test Arsenal’s high defensive line.

Set pieces, often a weapon for the Gunners, may also prove less fruitful than usual as Brentford have conceded fewer set-piece goals than any side in the division, removing one of Arsenal’s most reliable attacking outlets.

That resilience has already seen them claim notable victories in 2026, with Aston Villa, Everton, Newcastle United and Sunderland all falling victim to the Bees.

Reiss Nelson will be ineligible to play against his former club, while Kevin Schade serves the second of his three-match ban for seeing red against Aston Villa.

For Arsenal, this fixture is another examination of their composure, adaptability and defensive concentration, qualities required of champions.

Navigating a tricky away trip against in-form opposition would not end the title race, but it would reinforce the growing belief that this Arsenal side are equipped to control it.

As the pressure builds and the margins narrow, Arsenal know that continuing to pass tests like these is the only way to keep their hands firmly on the Premier League’s steering wheel.

Maintaining momentum during this demanding midweek round is essential if Arsenal are to keep edging closer to their long-awaited title.